​Turn Around Times (TATs) posted in the Test Information Sheets are estimates for routine tests. For some tests or at times of public health emergencies, outbreaks or exigent circumstances, TATs may be longer than what is posted.

This Turn around time definition does not apply to tests that are on-hold awaiting information to continue testing. Please note that “day” as used here, refers to business days.For tests referred out by PHL to other reference labs, the TAT is dependent on the Reference Laboratory testing schedule.​​

Holiday Schedule Public Health Ontario Laboratories (PHOL)

All PHOL locations will be on holiday schedules with modified routine operations on
the following days:

December 24, 2017 to December 26, 2017

December 31, 2017 to January 1, 2018

Staff are available to respond to emergency requests for testing during this time following consultation with our medical staff.

For emergencies during this time, please contact the PHOL duty officer at 416-605-3113.

From everybody at PHOL, we wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable holiday and a happy new year.

Effective November 7,
2016, Public Health Ontario will be updating its respiratory viral testing
algorithm to provide the highest quality testing, multiplex respiratory viral
PCR (MRVP), for all patients being tested. Please see the Labstract for more details, including important
changes to testing of ambulatory patients.